A/N Happy New Year! Thank you for the great reviews and staying with me for so long.

Chapter 35: Weasley's Redemption

Daphne found herself unexpectedly nervous as she stood in front of the fireplace. The floo in the largest sitting room, was the main one to the house. The one used to receive guests and the one the family used when not apparating to their destination. She thought going to Nott Manor by floo would be less intrusive then just apparating into the main hall or Theo's study. Now as she stood with the floo power in her hand, she was having second thoughts.

Draco placed his hand on her shoulder. "What's wrong?"

"What if he doesn't want to see me?" Daphne whispered, then took a deep breath.

"Don't be ridiculous. Theo will most likely scoop you up in his arms, carry you off to his room and leave Astoria and I standing there." Draco gave her shoulder a squeeze. "This is what you both want, what he has been hoping for, for so long."

"But last night Draco, I broke his heart." Daphne's eyes welled up with tears.

Astoria stepped between her sister and Draco and took her sisters free hand in hers. "You only did what you thought at the time, would cause him the least amount of pain. Allowing him to finally start moving on. It's been less then a day Daph, trust me, he hasn't moved on yet."

Draco let his hand drop from Daphne's shoulder. "She's right Daphne. If I know Theo he is most likely sitting in his manor somewhere brooding. Seeing you will be exactly what he needs."

Daphne let out a light nervous laugh. "I suppose your both right. Well here it goes." She swallowed hard then stepped into the fireplace, threw the floo powder and said 'Nott Manor', as clearly as her shaky voice would allow. Within seconds she was swept away and found herself landing safely in the fireplace in the main sitting room at Nott Manor. Daphne stepped out quickly knowing Draco would be following. She wasn't keen on the idea of her future brother-in-law landing on her head.

Daphne looked around the large open room. It was clear Theo hadn't planned on using it without her. During the time Daphne had been living with him, she had redecorated this room, hoping to have a dinner party for close family and friends, but she hadn't gotten around to throwing it before she moved out. She had the walls painted in a light grey, with a bright white trim on the floor boards and crown molding. The celling had white paint with a very light blue hint to it to keep the room bright and cheery. Daphne had chosen white leather couches and loveseats in the room and light oak end tables.

Theo had thrown sheets over all the furniture and the pictures of them and both of their families she had put on the walls all had a light coating of dust on them. The people in the pictures were all sleeping and those who were not looked bored. Daphne didn't notice Draco and Astoria's arrival in the room. Both of them stayed right behind her but didn't interrupt her as she ran her fingers along the back of one couch, tears welling up in her eyes again, threatening to fall. She knew the longer they were apart, the more Theo would close himself off. Closing up this room was just the first step.

Tony was standing by the doorway having been alerted the moment the house had visitors. "Miss Greengrass, I must say, it is very good to see you."

"Hi, Tony. Is Theodore here?" Daphne turned to Tony and gave him a warm smile as she wiped the tears away.

Tony nodded and started walking down the hallway after motioning for Daphne to go with him. "He came home in a state last night and went out riding on that motorbike of his. He returned to the manor late last night, or rather, early this morning. I believe you will find him in his mothers parlor, where he retreated to after he came in."

Tony stopped by the closed door to what had been Claudette Nott's parlor. The room would eventually become the main parlor to whom ever became Lady Nott. Once upon a time Daphne had hoped that would be her. She wondered if it still could be. Hesitating slightly for a moment, she finally reached for the door knob.

Tony placed his hand on hers stopping her from turning it, then put his hands behind his back. "Before you enter Miss, you should know, he took a bottle of whiskey in there with him. I tried to talk him out of it, but he wasn't really in a listening mood. The good news is, I have heard nothing coming from the room, and he hasn't left. Perhaps he fell asleep."

"Daphne." Draco stepped forward and took her hand off the door knob. "Under the circumstances, I should be the first one to go in there."

Daphne shook her head no. "No Draco. Thank you but it needs to me."

Draco looked at her for a moment and thought about arguing with her, but knew it would be useless. "Fine, but I will be right behind you."

Daphne nodded, and turned the door knob. When she entered the room, her heart beat quickened from the anticipation of seeing Theo. But she didn't see him. What she did see was the sheet had been pulled off of the couch and the whiskey bottle was sitting on the coffee table. One glass had been poured but it looked like only a few sips had been taken, otherwise the bottle was still mostly full. Daphne let out the breath she had been holding, thankful Theo hadn't given in completely and drank the entire bottle. The remnents of a fire were smoldering in the fireplace. It had been a warm night, no need for a fire, so why had Theo lit one? Daphne's question was answered when she stepped a little further into the room.

Theo was sitting on the floor, wearing his black jeans and biker boots. He still had on his dress shirt and black tie from the party the night before. His leather jacket with the sleeves pushed up to his elbows, gave him that sexy bounty hunter look, she had come to love. Theo's knees were pulled up and his arms laid crossed on top of his knees. Theo had his head resting on his forearms. In front of him was a stack of pictures, news paper articles and copies of witch weekly. Daphne didn't need to go threw the pictures and the magazines to know they were all of her. She knew she had hurt Theo the night before by telling him to stop fighting, her heart pounded painfully as she realized just how badly.

She covered her mouth with her hands to stifle her sob and knelt down beside him. Once she regained her composer she noticed the broken glass from a frame on the floor at his feet and picture of her blowing him a kiss on the Hogwarts Express platform after their fifth year, slightly crumpled in his hand. He hadn't been able to bring himself to throw the picture in the fire as he intended in the hurt and angry mood he had been in when he returned from his ride. Normally riding calmed Theo down and pulled him out of whatever bad mood he was in, but it would seem last night, riding hadn't helped.

Tears ran down Daphne's face as she reached out and ran her fingers through Theo's hair and softly said his name. "Theo."

"What?" Theo said gruffly startled by the contact he wasn't expecting as he looked up. The look on his face softened slightly when he saw the intruder was Daphne. "Daphne?"

Daphne smiled warmly at him, hoping he would see the good news in her eyes, but the look he was giving her was more one of, 'are you real?'. "Yes sweetheart, it's me."

Theo reached out and pulled Daphne into his arms letting the picture fall and held her tightly. He buried his face in her hair, taking deep breaths trying to convince himself she was real. After a moment he pushed her away slightly so he could look at her. She instantly starting running her fingers through his hair again. Theo looked down at the floor, then back up at Daphne. "What are you doing here?" He reached up and took her hand out of his hair. He loved it when she did that, but right now, he didn't want to feel good.

Daphne turned her hand over in his and laced her fingers with his. "I came to tell you, it's over. Between me and Marcus, I'm not marrying him."

Theo looked down at their hands and tightened his grip, still trying to prove to himself this wasn't a dream. "Your father let you out of the contract, just like that?" A sudden fearful thought hit Theo and he gripped her waist tighter with the hand still holding her. "You didn't runaway did you? Daphne your father.."

She put a finger on his lips and shook her head no. "He is letting me out of the contract Theo." Theo's expression didn't soften, and it caused her chest to tighten. "I was hoping you...would take me back."

"I don't understand Daphne, just last night, I wasn't good enough according to your father. You insisted I give up." He pulled his hand away from hers. "Now, suddenly just over night, everything is different?" Theo pushed her away and stood up. He walked across the room away from her and stopped when he saw Draco.

Draco wanted to yell at Theo, but knew that wouldn't help. Instead he smiled. "This is what you have been wanting Theo. Hear her out, please mate."

Theo put his arms out by his sides palms up. "Fine, why now am I suddenly acceptable?"

Daphne walked over to Theo and took his hands in hers again, the need to have contact with him overwhelming her. What should have been a happy reunion, was ruined by her tears, and Theo's obvious fear, fear this wasn't real. Daphne took a deep breath then started to tell Theo the story. "Christopher Flint was blackmailing my father. Daddy paid off the Death Eaters during both wars to keep us all safe and himself from having to join them. Flint found out."

Theo cocked his head to side. "I don't understand. Who was he paying? Voldemort really didn't care about money, he hardly needed it."

"Yaxley." Theo turned to look at Draco, who held up a hand to stop Theo from saying anything. "We just found all of this out this morning Theo. Apparently, Yaxley took money from several people in leu of turning them over to Voldemort. Lord Greengrass was one of them."

"It's true Theo." Daphne took a small step closer to him, earning Theo turning from Draco and looking back at her. "Flint also paid Yaxley off to keep himself and his sons from having to join. The result was, he almost depleted his entire family fortune. Somehow he came to have Yaxley's bank ledger in his possession. It shows all the people Yaxley blackmailed over the years. Flint threatened to use it, to expose my father a Death Eater conspirator, unless I agreed to marry Marcus."

Theo swallowed and licked his lips, his mouth suddenly dry. "That would have ruined your father."

"Mr. Flint gave me no real choice. I could chose to be with you or protect my family, my father." Daphne's bottom lip started to quiver as she realized how this must sound to Theo.

Theo closed his eyes and took several deep breaths, as the news hit him. He understood Daphne had been put in a terrible position. Flint caused all of this pain the last two weeks to make his situation better. Daphne had been forced to endure it to protect her family, not to hurt Theo, but it still stung. Theo's heart pounded, he wanted to scream, hit something. Finally he opened his eyes and looked at Daphne trying to soften his expression, but he was just too tired. "And now? Now you no longer have to marry Flint?"

"No." Seeing the hurt in Theo's eyes made saying just the one word difficult and Daphne looked down at their hands, rubbing Theo's knuckles with her thumbs in little circles hoping she was comforting him somehow.

Draco stepped forward. "Theo, we found the proof, well Fay Dunbar found the proof, the ledger Flint was using to blackmail Lord Greengrass with. She has turned it over to Macmillan and to Lord Greengrass. Now he can finally push back, and force Flint to drop it."

Theo shook his head. "Fay?" His eyes widened with sudden panic. He looked back at Daphne and took a shaky breath. "Daphne, I swear nothing is going on between Fay and I."

Daphne laughed. "I know that Theo. Fay was hired by my parents, to find the proof. My father never wanted me to marry Marcus, he had no choice, just as he always said."

Astoria walked from the entrance of the doorway over to Draco and took his hand. "Draco, why don't we give Theo and Daphne a little privacy. They have a lot to talk about."

Draco nodded his agreement. "We will be in the small sitting room, Theo. If you need us."

Theo looked at his friend and smiled. "Thank you Draco, I think we will be fine." Theo looked back at Daphne and rubbed her cheek with the back of his hand. "So, your really free?"

"Yes. My father will confront Mr. Flint tonight and dissolve the contract. He also has the pictures of Anna and Marcus from last night. He plans to confront Marcus about that as well." Daphne chanced putting her arms around his waist. "I'm yours, if you still want me."

Theo pushed his hand into her hair leaving his thumb on her cheek, stroking his thumb back and fourth on her cheek gently. "Of course I still want you Baby. I have always wanted you, always." Theo leaned down and brushed his lips on hers lightly, then pressed his forehead to hers. "You have to admit, this is all kind of unbelievable. I still don't know how to feel."

"Happy Theo, feel happy." Daphne lifted herself up on her toes and kissed his cheek.

"I am so in love with you Daphne Greengrass. I always will be." Theo kissed her again wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her close to him. He pulled away suddenly. "Does your father know you're here? Is he okay with this, with us?"

"He says, you have his blessing." Daphne smiled then bite her bottom lip as she felt a blush fill her cheeks with color. She took a small breath and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I love you Theodore Nott. I always have."

Theo smiled back at her, then kissed her hard, deepening the kiss quickly. He moaned as he felt her tongue against his. Theo picked Daphne up and apparated them directly up to the room they had shared before she was forced to move out. Their clothes were quickly tossed all over the room and Theo trailed warm pocessive kisses all over Daphne's neck, chest and stomach. Before he slid himself inside her, he braced his weight up on his elbows and played with her soft golden hair.

"Promise me something Baby." Theo said in a husky voice needing to say this before he gave in to the passion between them and couldn't think about anything but the pleasure of being with her.

"Anything Theo." Daphne placed her hands on either side of his face and looked him in the eyes.

Theo gave her a nervous smile. "Never leave me again." His smiled softened and was replaced with his normal warm sexy smile. "The first time was the hardest five years of my life. This second time nearly destroyed me." Theo shook his head, gave her a quick kiss, then then closed his eyes at the thought of what he said next. "I think a third time would kill me Daph, certainly kill me."

Daphne ran her fingers through his hair. "I never planned on leaving either time Theo. I promise, only death will take me away again."

Theo felt more complete then he ever had as he pushed his throbbing cock inside Daphne's wet center. She moaned in his ear and dug her nails in his back as his rhythm picked up. Each moan and soft cry from Daphne, made him thrust harder and faster. She wrapped her left leg around him, pulling him closer to her as she got closer to her climax. Theo pushed himself up slightly so he could watch Daphne's face as she reached it.

"Open your eyes Baby, look at me while you cum." Theo begged as he continued working on that familiar spot he knew would send her over the edge.

Daphne opened her eyes, and told him how much she loved him before she couldn't keep her eyes open any longer and they fluttered shut from the pleasure he gave her. Theo moaned 'I love you' once more in her ear, then he followed after her with his own orgasm and collapsed on top of her in a warm after sex cuddle. After a few minuets of readjusting, cleaning up and telling each other how much they loved one other again, Theo and Daphne fell into a sound sleep in each other arms.

xXXx

Lady Greengrass made sure the table in the smaller dinning room was set perfectly. She had yellow flowers placed in the middle. A bright color she thought. Tonight would need a little brightness. Not that what was about to happen once Flint, his wife and son arrived for dinner, wasn't the brightest thing she could think of. It just wouldn't be, easy or enjoyable, at least not for everyone at the table. Ernie had been able to convince his father to wait another day to confront Christopher Flint, and Potter to wait until after the Wizengamont had addressed Flint to arrest him. Ron had told Ernie he still had a lot of statements to process, and could only wait until after he was done with the paper work to arrest Marcus, if another arrest was warranted.

Daphne had left as soon as her father had given her permission and hadn't come back for several hours. When she had, she had brought Theodore with her. They were currently upstairs in Daphne's room, packing her things. Veronica smiled remembering the excited way Dalton had greeted the young Nott heir. Shaking his hand with such enthusiasm. Greengrass had given Daphne his blessing to move back into to Nott Manor and allowed Theodore to go upstairs with her, to pack her things. Theodore told Lord Greengrass before they headed upstairs how Daphne had told him everything. He insisted he understood, but Veronica could tell how apprehensive Theo still was. Lord Greengrass had said he wouldn't take no for an answer on getting the chance in the future to tell Theodore everything, knowing forgiveness from the young man would only come, once he told him the entire story. Lord Greengrass apologized for keeping Theo in the dark and told him the two of them had an over due conversation to be had. The two men agreed it would have to wait however, Dalton had unfinished business with the Flints to take care of this evening.

Veronica had hugged her daughter tightly and told her she would make sure to have her and Theodore's dinner sent up to her room if needs be. So the dinner table was set for nine. Veronica placed herself and Dalton at the heads on the table. Lucius and Narcissa would sit to Dalton's right. Normally one would sit all the family heads on the hosts right, and the younger generations to his left, but tonight Veronica put, Draco and Astoria beside Draco's father, and the Flint family together on the other side. The lack of a place card for Daphne, was the first thing Helen Flint noticed when they arrived for dinner.

Helen Flint let go of her husbands arm and looked at the place cards. "Where is Daphne sitting?" After everything which had occurred today at the Ministry involving her husband and sons, Helen Flint knew the answer. But politely asked the question any way.

Veronica really did like Helen Flint. She was a shorter, thick women, with hair the color of rust, which Andrew's oldest son had inherited. Veronica was pleased Andrew and his wife Krissy wouldn't be attending tonight. What Dalton and Christopher would be discussing would be difficult enough without Andrew, Krissy and their two sons having to bare witness. "Daphne will be taking dinner in her room this evening Helen. I do hope you understand. After last night, and what was in the paper this morning, she is feeling a little under the weather." Veronica continued to hold Dalton's arm waiting for everyone to take their seats so he could escort her to hers.

Helen nodded her understanding and waiting behind her chair for her husband to pull it out.

"She is being a little sensitive, don't you think Dalton." Christopher pulled out his own chair and sat down, paying no attention to his wife, then looked up at son. "Do sit down Marcus. You standing there brooding will not make the girl join us." Flint took a sip of his water. "I certainly hope Daphne is stronger emotionally once she is with child."

"Christopher!" Helen exclaimed. More embarrassed at his comments about Daphne, then the fact he had left her standing with out pulling out her chair.

Draco didn't miss a beat, once he had Astoria settled in her seat, he kiss her cheek then, quickly walked to the other side of the table, pulling Mrs. Flint's chair out for her. "Lady Flint." He said, causing Helen Flint to blush. She wasn't a 'lady' by title, but loved it when the young noblemen called her that. She knew they were just flattering her, but she ate it up. Who wouldn't?

"Thank you Draco. You are such a good young man." Helen smiled at Narcissa as she sat down and Draco pushed in her chair gently. "You have done well with him Narcissa. You should be proud." Helen glanced past her husband to Marcus who was still staring out the door of the dinning room. "Unfortunately only one of my sons, understood the need for certain manners."

Marcus snapped his head in the direction of his mother and sneered at her, but remained silent.

Lucius sat down beside his wife after making sure she was seated comfortably. He took Narcissa's hand in his and kissed the back of it affectionately, then looked at the Flint family. "Narcissa is a wonderful mother." He looked at Draco apologetically. "Any mistakes my son made in the past, were my fault. Not hers." He cleared his throat. "Admitting things like that, is still difficult. But I would like to think I am doing better." Lucius said with the signature Malfoy smirk causing the members of the dinner party to all laugh and it eased the slight tension.

The Malfoys had arrived almost two hours before the Flint's at Draco's insistence, so Lord Greengrass could catch them up on the events of the night before. Both Lord and Lady Malfoy had been concerned for the young American woman, but in the end understood why Draco and his friends had done what they did. Narcissa had been elated for Daphne and practically ran, as politely as one could to find the young woman in her room and pass on her best wishes.

Now sitting across from Helen Flint, Narcissa felt a pang of sadness in her chest for Helen. Lucius from time to time had become obsessed with power and work. But had never strayed from their marriage. Any woman could see the pain Helen tried to hide in her far too polite gestures and comments. The pain from having been cast aside by her husband after giving him his second heir. Helen was the type of woman who never ate much in public, always paying close attention to her hair and makeup. Helen flint was always trying desperately to lose the weight she had gained during her second pregnancy which she had been confined in bed for. No matter what she tried though, every kilo she lost, somehow she found. She did everything should could to make herself appealing to her husband. Never really understanding, his betrayal had nothing to do with her. She could be the most beautiful woman in the world, and he still would have strayed. As did his eldest son. Daphne had always been considered quite the beauty, yet Marcus strayed every chance he got. Narcissa smile to herself as she sipped her wine, knowing the Greengrass daughters would never have to live that sort of life.

Dalton pulled Veronica's chair out and gave her a loving kiss on the lips before she took her seat. Once she put her napkin on her lap he walked to the other side and took his seat. Dalton motioned for the first course to be served. A cold strawberry bisque was placed in front of everyone. As Christopher took his first bite, Dalton decided to begin the conversation. "So, Marcus tell me, how should I as your future father-in-law respond to what I read in the Prophet this morning?"

Marcus chocked on his soup and looked at his father quickly for guidance. Christopher raised his eyebrows and motioned for his son to answer the man. "I would hope Sir, that you would allow me to tell my side before believing everything you read."

Draco scoffed. "Seeing with my own eyes, is believing Flint."

"Draco." Lucius placed his hand on Draco's forearm. "Let's give young Flint the chance to explain himself. You have had your chance already to tell Lord Greengrass what you saw."

Draco smiled at his father. "Of course Father. Your right." He looked back at Marcus. "I told him everything. Please, let us hear your version of the events."

Marcus slammed his spoon down on the table. "You set me up, you little ferret. You, Pucey, Zabini and that America slut."

"Marcus!" Christopher slapped his son on the back of the head. "You will not use that language in the presence of ladies."

Draco only smirked at Marcus. He had learned to let comments about being a ferret roll off his back long ago. "Please, Flint. I really would like to hear your side of the story."

Marcus took a deep breath. "I was only giving Nott's date a tour of the house. When I found us alone in the small parlor off the ballroom, she threw herself at me. I tried repeatedly to tell her I was engaged to someone else, but she wouldn't stop. I had no other choice but to slap her."

Narcissa gasped and put her hand dramatically to her lips. "You slapped her. Oh Marcus, there had to have been a more dignified way to handle the situation. Are you not an accomplished wizard?"

Marcus suddenly looked nervous. "Of course I am. I regret my choice, and must admit I wasn't thinking, I just reacted."

"You just reacted?" Veronica Greengrass pushed her bowl forward on the table just an inch to indicate she was finished with the bisque. "Will you just react, when you and Daphne have a disagreement?"

"No ma'am." Marcus began sweating.

"Really." Veronica blotted the corner of her mouth with her napkin. "According to Auror Weasley, you struck Daphne a few months ago. Back when she choose to try and rekindle things with Lord Nott. Did you just react then, or was that a well thought out incident?"

"I was drunk, and thought I was losing the woman I love. I have made amends to Daphne for that." Marcus started rubbing his hands on his trousers trying to rid them of the sweat.

"I see." Dalton motioned to the staff for the next course. The bowls were removed, but instead of the next course a silver tray was set between Christopher and Helen. Helen screamed when she saw the stack of pictures on the tray. The top picture, one of Marcus punching Anna in the jaw, with her breasts exposed. Christopher Flint quickly picked the pictures up to hide them from his wife and looked threw them quickly. He set the stack back on the tray and with his wand lit them on fire. "Destroying that set will hardly help Flint." Dalton said calmly as a salad was set in front of each of them. "You see, a set as already been given to Auror Weasley, Prosecutor Macmillan and one is safely in my study."

"As is a copy in my study." Lucius gave Flint a Malfoy sneer, then smiled as he dressed his salad.

"Fine." Mr. Flint tried to compose himself as he pulled his salad closer to him, ignoring the quiet sobs from his wife beside him. "Marcus will give a formal apology to the press. He and Daphne can attend some sort of couples counseling to appease the public, and Marcus can learn anger management. This will change nothing."

Dalton exchanged a knowing look with his wife and nodded his head while continuing to eat his own salad.

Veronica looked at Marcus and smirked. "Marcus darling. Do eat. You must maintain your strength, to continue being a world class..." She wanted to 'ass', but instead finished with "chaser."

Marcus looked down at his salad and picked up his fork. Before he started eating though he noticed something shiny in the salad. With his fork he pulled out the engagement ring he had given Daphne earning him a snicker from both Draco and Astoria. He glared at both of them, then looked at Lord Greengrass. "Just were the bloody hell is Daphne?"

Dalton looked over at Marcus. "Oh you found it. I was hopeful...a fearful, yes fearful you would eat it." Dalton lifted his glass to Marcus. "Daphne sends her regards. I am afraid she is calling the engagement off."

Marcus pushed his chair out and started to stand up, but his father grabbed his wrist to stop him. "Lord Greengrass knows the consequence if Daphne backs out of the arrangement. She wouldn't dare."

"What arrangement Christopher?" Helen looked surprised.

Veronica gave Helen a sorrowful look and took the other woman's hand in hers. "Your husband has been blackmailing mine for something they both did."

Helen turned to her husband. "Blackmail, for what?"

Christopher Flint never took his eyes off of Dalton when he responded to his wife. "Shut up woman, this doesn't concern you."

With the flick of a his wrist Lucius had Flint looking at him and unable to move. Flint struggled only for a second, then gave Malfoy the cruelest look he could. "Let me go Malfoy."

Lucius tsked and shook his head back and forth. "Now now Christopher, one does not talk to women like that, at least not in my presence."

"You will release me, you filthy Death Eater!" Christopher spat through gritted teeth.

Draco moved to defend his father, but Astoria placed a hand on his knee, cleared her throat and shook her head no. Draco, gave her a pleading look, but Astoria's expression hardened causing the younger Malfoy to relax and stay seated.

Lucius smiled at Flint. "Your right of course Flint. I was a filthy Death Eater." He picked up Narcissa's hand and kissed the back of it again, then looked back at Flint. "But I am a big enough man to admit my faults now, are you?" Another flick of his wrist and Flint fell back slightly in his chair able to move again.

Flint took a moment to fix his tie and regain his composer. "Of course I have no idea what faults you are referring to Malfoy." Flint looked back at Dalton. "You and I however have an agreement and a contract."

"Yes we do." Dalton said and he motioned to the serving staff who once again came and cleared the salad plates, which were barely touched by the members of the dinner party. "You see though Flint, Lucius and I figured there had to be a reason you knew I had paid off the Death Eaters in order to stay neutral and keep my wife and daughter's safe. You must have also been paying them off, it is the only thing that makes sense." He gestured to Christopher. "Your Pure-Blood, same as me, with not only one, but two Pure-Blood sons. Voldemort would have wanted you, even more then he wanted me."

Helen Flint looked at her husband. "Christopher is that true? Did you pay them off? Is that how we were able to join the right side?"

Flint flashed his wife an evil look. "We joined Potter because it was the right thing to do, gold had nothing to do with it."

"No one at this table disagrees with you. Joining Potter was the right choice." Draco squared his shoulders and took a deep breath. "Even if some of us, took longer to get there. Paying off Yaxley or anyone else to keep your family safe in my opinion was also the right choice. It's what your doing now, that is wrong."

Flint turned to snap at Draco, but before he said anything another silver tray was set on the table between Helen and Christopher. This tray had a copy of Yaxley's bank ledger sitting on it. Christopher Flint reached to grab it quickly. "How did you get your hands on this?" He asked Dalton while trying to hide it from his wife.

Dalton chuckled deep in his throat. "My lovely wife hired an investigator. She found it."

"You mean she stole it." Christopher Flint put the ledger in the inside pocket of his coat.

"I assure you, Potter as already signed off on the girls report. She found it, completely within the parameters of Magical Law." Dalton picked up his wine glass and took a sip. "You are welcome to keep that of course. It is not the real one. The real one is safely with Prosecutor Macmillan, or will be, by then of the day."

Flint growled and stood up. "We have a contract Greengrass. Your daughter will marry Marcus, and you will give them the appropriate part of the Greengrass fortune or I will expose you."

"Exposing me, means exposing yourself Flint. Are you prepared to do that to your wife? To Andrew? Even to Marcus here? My wife is prepared to stand by me no matter what. Both of my daughters have chosen men who will forever be tainted by their father's pasts and are ready to deal with it. The question is, is your wife willing to stand by you, and how with the backlash of your deception effect the careers of an international Quidditch star and an Auror?" Dalton had stood up and placed his hands on the table. He was leaning over the table and glaring intensely at Christopher Flint, who had started sweating as much as his son had been.

Helen Flint pushed herself out slightly from the table. "Christopher, what are they talking about?"

Christopher Flint stood and only glared back at Dalton, but didn't answer his wife. Veronica again took Helen's hand. "It would seem our husbands both paid off the Death Eaters in order to keep themselves and their families safe from Voldemort."

Narcissa smiled at Helen and leaned forward in her chair. "Yaxley dear. They paid off Yaxley. I am sure you remember him coming around during both wars. His task was to recruit your husband and sons. What your husband did to keep you safe was noble. But now he is using the information he somehow got from Yaxley to force the Greengrass's to marry Daphne to Marcus and give you half of their fortune."

"Why? Why would you want Marcus to marry a girl who so clearly doesn't love him, and why do we need their fortune?" Helen looked at her husband sorrowfully. When he still didn't answer she reached out and tugged on his sleeve. "Chris, talk to me."

Christopher Flint back handed his wife hard enough she fell out of her chair. Both Narcissa and Veronica jumped from their seats and ran to her side. Helen kept saying she was fine, but the other two woman picked her up and insisted she go to Veronica's parlor with them. As they stood up Veronica looked at her husband. "End this quickly Dalton please. Astoria, come." She turned and left the room with Helen and Narcissa assuring Helen they would tell her everything they know once they are in her parlor away form Christopher.

Draco pulled out Astoria's chair offering her his hand. She stood quickly, but before she could follow her mother, Draco pulled her in his arms and pressed his lips firmly to hers for a second. "I love you. I will come get you as soon as we are done here."

Astoria smile up at him. "I love you." She pressed another quick kiss to Draco's lips, then followed her mother out of the dinning room.

Draco looked over at Marcus. "Well, at least we now know where you got your charming way with women from."

Christopher Flint pulled out his wand and pointed it at Draco, but Lucius stepped in front of his son. "You would be wise to put that away Flint."

As Flint opened his mouth to respond Dalton levitated the betrothal contract in front of him. "I think Flint, that under the circumstances of us knowing you also paid off the Death Eaters to the point that you are barely holding on to your families home, I will take my chances. It's time to call your bluff." Dalton lit the contract on fire. "Consider the betrothal dissolved."

Marcus stood up fuming. "Like hell it is." He ran from the dinning room and headed for the stairs leading upstairs.

xXXx

"Did you have this many pairs of shoes before?" Theo asked Daphne as he put another pair into the large trunk he was helping her pack.

Daphne turned and looked at him. "Of course I did. I just hadn't brought them all over yet. Didn't want to scare you."

"Really." Theo stood up from the floor he where he had been sitting, walked over to Daphne and pulled her in his arms. "Nothing about you scares me Baby, but the thought of losing you again."

Daphne smiled up at him and put her arms around his neck. "You have me for good this time sweetheart, I swear." She closed her eyes to push away the sudden tears she felt, then looked at him again. "I know I promised once, and then broke that promise, but I mean it Theo, I am yours."

"And I am yours." Theo dipped his head and kiss her.

As they deepened the kiss Daphne's bedroom door was blown off its hinges and Marcus was standing there. He screamed when he saw Daphne kissing Theo. Theo quickly pushed Daphne behind him. "What the hell are you doing in here Flint?"

"I was about to ask you the same question Nott. You were just kissing the woman is going to be my wife. You will pay for that." Marcus stepped in the room pointing his wand at Theo.

Theo looked at the wand and considered his options. His wand was still laying on the floor by the trunk. Silently he cursed himself for always having to do things the Muggle way. Theo thought about trying to summon his wand quickly, but would he get it before Flint hit him with a hex or worse. He could try using wandless magic, but his raw wandless magic was best when controlling elements, like wind or fire. Doing something like causing a tornado could put Daphne at risk. He smiled when he came up with an idea.

"Why not settle this like men Flint, without magic? Or are you afraid of getting your ass kicked again?" Theo smirked at Flint and Daphne wrapped her arms around Theo's waist, laying her head on his back and holding him tightly. Theo rubbed her arms with his hands and whispered. "I will be fine Baby."

"You want to fight, like Muggles?" Flint sneered at him.

"No, like noblemen, ah but your not one are you?" Theo taunted. "So I guess like Muggles, will have to do."

Marcus put his wand on Daphne's bed, curled his hands into fist and turned to face Theo. "Fine, Nott. Prepare to humiliate yourself in front of my bride."

Daphne reluctantly let go of Theo and took a step back further into her closet. Theo put his right hand out in front of him, ignored the shaking and motioned for Flint to come closer. "I will give you the first swing Flint."

Marcus jumped at the chance and charged at Theo, but Theo deflected his punch with his left forearm and hit Marcus in the nose with his right hand. Marcus grunted loudly and wiped the blood off his face. He lunged at Theo again, causing Theo to step to the side out of the way and Marcus stopped himself just short of hitting the door frame to Daphne's closet. He turn and growled at Theo. Theo braced himself knowing there was nothing behind him and Marcus's fighting style normally including him using his head, but not to think. Just as he expected Marcus charged at him again hitting Theo in the chest with his shoulder forcing Theo back several steps. Theo left out the breath he had been holding, wrapped his arms around Marcus's waist from the back and picked him up. Theo let himself fall back wards while thrusting Marcus's body up over his head, so Marcus's back hit the floor first taking the brunt of the impact when they landed. Both men laid on the floor stunned for a second then scrambled at the same time to regain control over the other. Marcus was able to hit Theo in the jaw knocking him back down on his back.

Daphne screamed. "Theo!" She covered up her mouth not noticing Draco had entered her bedroom until he was standing beside her protectively putting his arms around her and leading her out of the closet and making their way to the door. "Draco!" Daphne yelled. "We have to stop them!"

Draco pointed to a red haired man standing in her room pointing his wand at the fighting men. "We wont. He will Daph."

Ron Weasley watched the fight for a few minuets waiting for the best opportunity to bind Flint. He allowed Theo to get control of Flint. Theo threw Flint on his back and punch him one more time in the face before Ron intervened. "Nott, back away quickly."

Theo looked up and sneered at Ron, but did as the Auror instructed. He quickly got to his feel, but Marcus reached out grabbed Theo by the shirt, pulling him back down. Ron hit Flint with a binding hex, that bound his arms to his sides. The momentum of being pulled, then Flint's arms suddenly letting go, caused Theo to fall forward. He hit his chin on the corner of Daphne's nightstand, giving himself a cut.

Daphne ran from Draco's arms to Theo's side and held his head in her lap making sure he was fine. Theo patted her thigh. "I'm fine Baby, just a little cut." She leaned down and kissed his forehead, then let Theo get up.

Breathing heavily still Theo walked over to Ron offering him his hand. "Thank you Weasley. I have no idea why you are here, but I appreciate your help."

"I am here to collect Flint." Ron raised his chin at Flint. "Marcus Christopher Flint, you are under arrest for the sexual assault of no less then thirteen different women."

Marcus protested loudly. "Let me go Weasley. I never assaulted any woman."

"Really." Ron scoffed. "After the article about your indiscretions last night hit the paper this morning, twelve women showed up this morning and filed complaints about you. The prosecutor's office officially put a warrant out for your arrest about forty minuets ago, which I am here to carry out." Ron walked over to Flint and put his magical handcuffs on one of Marcus's wrists, released the hex and quickly bound his other hand to the cuffs. "Where is your wand Flint."

Theo picked the wand up off Daphne's' bed. "It's right here Weasley." Theo happily handed Ron the wand, then slapped Marcus on the back. "Guess I wont be kicking your ass after all. Who knew you would be right about that?"

Ron pushed Flint toward the door but Marcus wouldn't move. "I am telling you Weasley I didn't sexually assault any woman."

"I am not really the person you need to convince Flint. That would be the court." Ron grabbed Marcus's arm and pulled until Flint started walking.

Once the group was down stairs, Christopher Flint stepped in front of Ron. "Where do you think you are taking my son Weasley?"

Ron handed the warrant to Mr. Flint. "It's all right there Sir. Your son will have a hearing, and a chance to clear his name as of right now he will be facing thirteen charges of sexual assault."

Mr. Flint put his hand up to stop Ron from walking toward the grand sitting room where the floo was. "This warrant says twelve women came forward, not thirteen."

"Yes. Twelve came to my office to file complaints this morning. Those along with Miss Blackwell from last night makes thirteen." Ron looked at Daphne. "Harry told me to ask you Miss Greengrass, if you wanted to make it fourteen?"

Theo tightened his arms around Daphne's waist and kissed her forehead. "You don't have to Baby. But we all will have your back if you do."

Astoria pulled herself out of Draco's arms and walked over to her sister. "Daph, you can't let him get away with it." She looked over at the elder Flint who had a death grip on his wife's shoulder. "His father has, for far too long."

"Watch your tongue Miss Greengrass. You're making accusations you can't back up." Mr. Flint snarled at Astoria.

Lord Greengrass walked up to Mr. Flint. "You are the one who needs to watch your tongue Flint. The business between you and I is over. You would do yourself a favor to never darken my home with your presence again." Dalton turned to Weasley. "Please get them out of my house."

Ron began walking toward the sitting room again, but Daphne stopped him. "Weasley."

Ron turned and looked at her. "Yes, Miss Greengrass."

"I will testify, if it will help." She held tighter to Theo's hands. "But I have no proof. I didn't even let any one see the bruises."

Ron smiled at her. "Auror Potter saw them." His smiled got brighter. "Besides, you have your memories. That's all Ernie will need." Ron pushed Marcus again hard from the back and entered the sitting room.

Christopher and Helen Flint went in after and watched Ron take their son away. As they entered the floo to follow, Narcissa pulled away from Lucius and walked toward the floo. "Helen, you don't have to go with him, if you don't want to."

Christopher Flint opened his mouth to say something, but the look Malfoy shot him, made him think better of it. Instead he put his arm around his wife's waist holding her closer to him. Helen looked at him, then to Narcissa. "Thank you Lady Malfoy, but I will be fine."

Veronica walked up and stood beside Narcissa. "When you decide your not fine, you are always welcome here. Please come any time, the wards will allow you, and only you in."

Flint didn't wait for his wife to respond before he threw the floo powder and they were gone.

Veronica turned to the seven people in her sitting room. "Shall we go now to the dinning room, and have our real dinner?"

Dalton took her hand and lead her out of the room. "That sounds like a wonderful idea. I am starving."

Draco looked at Theo and raised is eye brows. "I wanted to say this to you earlier, but decided to wait. I told you, you would get her back."

Theo smiled at Draco and shook his hand. "Yes, you did. I suppose I should listen to you more often. Thank you mate." Theo turned to Daphne picked her up and spun her around as Daphne laughed. He sat her back down slowly capturing her lips as he did. After a long kiss, Theo looked Daphne in eye. "I love you Baby, lets go eat."

A/N Nope, that's not the end. Four chapters left. Thank you all so much for reading!